ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults often struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis because doctors use different guidelines for clinical diagnosis that they use for teenagers and children. The diagnosis requires at least five signs from the categories of hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive.
Professionals who conduct an evaluation will ask questions about your education, childhood, work, and family history. They may also ask to speak to your spouse or friend.
What is ADHD?
Whether you keep losing your keys, have difficulty with school or work or are having trouble staying focused in conversations, getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a great relief. You're not alone, and you are able to manage it better, according to Mary V. Solanto Ph.D. is a professor of psychology at the Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine in Long Island, New York.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) offers the guidelines that doctors and specialists use to determine an ADHD diagnosis. Adults need to meet a lower threshold of symptoms than children -- 5 out of 9 over the past 6 months -- to be diagnosed with either inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, or a combination.
An ADHD evaluation usually begins with a face-to-face interview with your doctor, who will review your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. It is beneficial to bring your report cards or other information from your childhood, as it can help the provider get a better understanding of your past experiences with ADHD. Your doctor may also request to talk to your spouse, family member, co-worker or a close friend who know you well. They may ask about your relationship, how they observe your behavior and how it affects you. They could also inquire what ADHD symptoms can be linked to other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
The interview is likely to include questions about your lifestyle such as how often you don't remember to pay your bills or go to appointments, or if you have trouble managing your time or organizational abilities. It is essential to be truthful in your answers and consider how these habits impact your daily life. Ask your healthcare provider for a referral to a different doctor or therapist if you are unsure about the symptoms. Self-tests are available as well as rating scales online, however they're not as reliable or valid as an interview with a qualified provider. Some of these tests can even lead to a false diagnosis, so it's best to speak with your doctor first.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that you have ADHD Begin talking to your primary care physician. He or she might refer you to a mental healthcare specialist for an evaluation, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 offers guidelines for clinical care to diagnose mental disorders. It's crucial to give your doctor as much detail as possible about your symptoms, so that they can provide an accurate diagnosis.
The person evaluating you will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your life. He or she will also talk to your spouse, children, teachers, co-workers and other people who know you well. Your test may include neuropsychological, behavioral or learning disability testing. These tests can give your doctor additional information on how your ADHD symptoms affect you and help rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
In addition to evaluating your current symptoms, the professional will determine whether you have predominantly inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined type ADHD. To receive a diagnosis, you must show that you have at least six of the nine symptoms for either the inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive presentation.
Symptoms of the predominantly inattentive type include trouble paying attention, not noticing details or making mistakes. The person who is conducting the assessment will also look at the impact these symptoms have on school, work and social life. The impulsive/hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD include fidgeting, difficulty sitting still or squirming in the chair, excessive talking and interrupting others, frequent blurting out answers before questions are finished and difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
Often, these symptoms appear in the early years of childhood. However, they can be present in adulthood. Adults may be able to recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed, or after a change in their life like a job, marriage or moving into their own home. In other instances, the condition goes undiagnosed until the adult experiences major issues at work or with their relationships. This could include being fired, facing financial problems or getting into trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD A test is the first step in finding treatment. A licensed mental health professional interviews you and examines your symptoms, medical background and family history. The interview may also include questions regarding work and school performance, as well as how the symptoms affect your life at home and in your relationships. You might be required to bring copies of report cards, teacher notes and any other information that could be relevant.
The psychiatric specialist will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to assist make the diagnosis. To be able to make a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must be present for at least six months, and they must interfere with the development or functioning of more than one environment for example, at school or at home. The symptoms of ADHD need to not be attributed to any other mental disorder, such as mood disorders or anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from problems that last into adulthood. These symptoms can impact the school and work environment, leading to poor health in the financial or personal aspects and can cause stress in relationships. If diagnosed and treated, you can improve your life.
Certain symptoms of ADHD change as you age, for instance inattentive symptoms may be more apparent as you age, and impulsivity and hyperactivity may decrease as you get older. Other factors may cause problems such as obstructive sleep apnea is more frequent in adults suffering from ADHD and poor sleeping habits are known to worsen ADHD symptoms.
adhd diagnosing with ADHD suffer from co-occurring illnesses like anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying disorder can alleviate ADHD symptoms. It is essential to inform your mental health professional if you have any other medical conditions. This could influence the effectiveness of treatment.
It is important that you speak to your primary physician who can refer to an experienced health professional who is trained in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also recommended to inquire if there are any support groups for adults suffering from ADHD in your area. They can offer resources and a list of professionals by specialty. You can also contact the insurance company that you have to find out which health care providers are covered under the plan you have.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation by a health professional is the best method to determine if you suffer from adult ADHD. The evaluation should include questions about your childhood, questions about your current life, and screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked about any problems that your ADHD symptoms cause problems at school, work or in your relationships.
There are a variety of treatments available for adults suffering from ADHD that include medication and counseling. Counseling can include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies teach you how to manage your symptoms, and how to transform negative thought patterns into positive ones. They can also assist with other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, which often co-occur along with ADHD.
Psychostimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate are often utilized for treating adults with ADHD. These medications affect how certain brain chemicals communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will choose the best medication for you and your specific symptoms and alter the dosage and frequency according to your needs. Nonstimulants are also available, that do not affect the same brain pathways that psychostimulants do and are effective for adults with ADHD. Nonstimulant medicines include atomoxetine Guanfacine, and the guanfacine.
Coaching or mentoring is a way to teach people with ADHD strategies and coping methods. For instance, you may learn how to keep a planner in place or journals or taught strategies to improve your time management. You can also benefit from altering your living situation to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, like working at home instead of working in a place of work or using apps on your smartphone to track tasks or scheduling appointments for times that are less crowded. You might also want to inquire about joining a clinical trial that is a research trial designed to test new ways of treating diseases and conditions. (NIMH has information on clinical trials.)
Sometimes, your family physician will refer you to a mental health specialist or other health medical professional to conduct an evaluation of your ADHD. You could also ask your family member or a friend for recommendations, or you can connect with a local support organization for those suffering from ADHD.